Forest School originated
in Sweden in the 1950’s and was introduced in Britain in
the late 1990’s. It is an inspirational process that offers regular
opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors. Learning occurs in a
relaxed environment using all of the senses. Choices can be made and risks
understood and taken. Forest School happens all year round and
so children should wear warm, waterproof clothing. The ethos
of Forest School is that learners should be allowed time and
space to explore, develop skills and interests and understanding through
practical, hands on experience. Forest School promotes good health and
fitness and an awareness of good hygiene. It helps children’s social and
communication development as they work together problem solving, developing
motor-skills and coordination in a fun and relaxed environment. Children also
learn a sense of personal responsibility and respect for their environment as
well as developing their confidence, self-esteem and independence.

Browsing Archive: March, 2013

We had a very busy afternoon at Forest Adventures this week with the children doing a variety of activities. Some chose to collect different natural items and make a design on a card and many of the children enjoyed climbing the small trees , some for the first time! We watched the new born calves in the next field who were enjoying playing in the afternoon sun before returning to school. We then planted our seed potatoes for the school’s competition before having a welcome cup of warming h...

Forest School was chilly again this week but the children were well wrapped up and had fun using a variety of logs and sticks to make a tree house which was then changed into a boat! Some children enjoyed digging and found an enormous worm which they took pride in showing everyone. Miss Aust engaged the children with different activities to assess risk and recorded how the children perceived different situations which could be potentially risky (e.g. barbed wire, climbing trees, using tools e...Continue reading ...

What a change in the weather! We were lucky to have had the warmest day of the year so far for our forest adventures. In the Chinese year of the snake, the children enjoyed looking for 'slithery snakes' camouflaged in the foliage. We discussed how difficult it was to find them due to their brown and green colours. Paige then used different coloured wool to wrap her stick whilst Grace and Ciara used their wool and sticks as fishing rods. Evie made a lovely swing for the birds and Jaime made a ...?

The Beech group went out for Forest Adventures this week . Despite the chilly weather the children had fun running around playing games and searching for different items. Evie and Lizzie found some burrows and had a great discussion about who lived there. Dylan, Iestyn and Jaime built a brilliant nest from dried leaves and grass and took great care over it. Frankie made a leaf boat with a twig mast and leaf sail and had ideas for modifications once back at school! Leo was very interested i...